Chapter 3

Well test analysis formulas and calculations

Chapter Outline
3.1 Analysis of a flow test with smoothly varying rates 174 3.27 Dimensionless rate (radial flow/constant pressure
3.2 Analysis of a post-fracture—Constant-rate flow test production) 187
with boundary effects 174 3.28 Dimensionless shut-in time for MDH method 188
3.3 Analysis of a post-fracture pressure buildup test with 3.29 Dimensionless storage constant for gases 188
wellbore-storage distortion 175 3.30 Dimensionless storage constant for liquids 188
3.4 Analysis of a well from a PI test 176 3.31 Dimensionless time (linear flow/constant rate
3.5 Analysis of DST flow data with Ramey type curves 177 production/general case) 189
3.6 Average fracture permeability (pseudo-steady state 3.32 Dimensionless time (linear flow/constant rate
case for pressure build-up test) 178 production/hydraulically fractured wells) 189
3.7 Bottomhole flowing pressure during infinite-acting 3.33 Dimensionless time (radial flow/constant
pseudoradial flow 178 rate production) 190
3.8 Calculation of pressure beyond the wellbore 3.34 Dimensionless time function (transient heat
(line-source solution) 179 transfer to the formation) 190
3.9 Conventional DST design without a water cushion 3.35 Dimensionless wellbore storage coefficient
(collapse pressure calculation) 179 (compressible fluids for pressure build-up test) 191
3.10 Diffusion depth in a geothermal well 180 3.36 Flow period duration (hydraulically fractured wells) 191
3.11 Dimensionless buildup pressure for field calculations 180 3.37 Fracture conductivity (bilinear-flow regime in
3.12 Dimensionless buildup pressure for liquid flow 180 gas wells) 191
3.13 Dimensionless buildup pressure for steam or gas flow 181 3.38 Fracture conductivity during bilinear flow 192
3.14 Dimensionless buildup time 181 3.39 Inflow performance relationship (IPR) for horizontal
3.15 Dimensionless cumulative production (radial flow wells in solution gas-drive reservoirs (Fetkovich) 192
constant-pressure production) 182 3.40 Inflow performance relationship (IPR) for horizontal
3.16 Dimensionless drawdown correlating parameter wells in solution gas-drive reservoirs (Vogel) 193
by carter 182 3.41 Interporosity flow coefficient in pressure build-up test 193
3.17 Dimensionless length (linear flow constant rate 3.42 Minimum shut-in time to reach pseudo-steady state
production/hydraulically fractured wells) 183 for tight gas reservoirs being hydraulically fractured 194
3.18 Dimensionless length (linear flow/constant-rate 3.43 Permeability and reservoir pressure from buildup tests 194
production/general case) 183 3.44 Permeability and skin factor from a constant-rate
3.19 Dimensionless pressure (linear flow/constant rate flow test 195
production/general case) 183 3.45 Pressure buildup equation (Horner equation) 196
3.20 Dimensionless pressure (linear flow/constant rate 3.46 Radius of investigation 196
production/hydraulically fractured wells) 184 3.47 Radius of investigation (flow time) 196
3.21 Dimensionless pressure (radial-flow/constant 3.48 Radius of investigation (shut-in time) 197
pressure production) 184 3.49 Raymer hunt transform (porosity/transit time
3.22 Dimensionless pressure (radial-flow/constant rate relationship) 197
production) 185 3.50 Reservoir permeability 198
3.23 Dimensionless pressure drop across a skin at the 3.51 Shut-in time for pressure build-up test
well face 185 (Dietz method) 198
3.24 Dimensionless pressure drop during pseudo-steady 3.52 Skin during infinite-acting pseudoradial flow for
state flow for a fractured vertical well in a square vertical wells 199
drainage area 186 3.53 Skin estimation type-1 (pressure buildup test) 199
3.25 Dimensionless pressure drop during pseudo-steady 3.54 Slope of Horner plot in pressure buildup test 200
state flow for a horizontal well in a bounded reservoir 186 3.55 Slope of pseudo-steady state flow in pressure
3.26 Dimensionless production time 187 buildup test 200

Formulas and Calculations for Petroleum Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-816508-9.00003-2

© 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 173
174 Formulas and calculations for petroleum engineering

3.56 Time to pseudo-steady state (single well-circular 3.58 True wellbore storage coefficient (pressure
reservoir) 200 build-up test) 201
3.57 Time to reach the semi-steady state for a gas well 3.59 Well flow efficiency (geothermal well) 202
in a circular or square drainage area 201 3.60 Well shut-in pressure during buildup (Horner plot) 202

3.1 Analysis of a flow test with smoothly varying rates

Input(s)
t1: Time at Pwf1 from Given Values or Trendline (h)
t2: Time at Pwf2 from Given Values or Trendline (h)
q 1: Flow Rate at Pwf1 (STB/day)
q 2: Flow Rate at Pwf2 (STB/day)
pi: Initial Pressure (psi)
pwf2: Wellflow Pressure at Point 2 from Given Values or Trendline (psi)
pwf1: Wellflow Pressure at Point 1 from Given Values or Trendline (psi)
pwf: Pressure Value at t ¼ 1 h (psi)
q: Flow Rate (STB/day)
B: Volume Factor (RB/STB)
h: Thickness of Reservoir (ft)
m: Viscosity of Oil (cP)
Ø: Porosity (fraction)
ct: Compressibility (1/psi)
rw: Wellbore Radius (ft)

Output(s)
m: Slope of Line (dimensionless)
k: Permeability (mD)
s: Skin Factor (dimensionless)

Formula(s)



pi  pwf2 pi  pwf1

q2 q1
m¼
log ðt2 Þ  log ðt1 Þ

m
k ¼ 162:6  B 
mh
0 1


B 1 k C
s ¼ 1:151  B C
@
p  p   log Ø  m  c  r2 + 3:23A
i wf t w
m
q

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 31.

3.2 Analysis of a post-fracture—Constant-rate flow test with boundary effects

Input(s)
q g: Gas Flow Rate (MSCF/day)
Bg: Gas formation Volume Factor (RB/MSCF)
 Well test analysis formulas and calculations Chapter 3 175

m: Slope from Curve (psi/cycle)

mL: Slope from linear Region of Curve (psi/cycle)
pai: Initial Adjusted Well Pressure (psi)
pahr: Adjusted Well pressure at t ¼ 1 h (psi)
pD: Dimensionless Pressure (dimensionless)
Ø: Porosity (dimensionless)
ct: Compressibility (1/psi)
rw: Radius of Wellbore (ft)
m: Viscosity (cP)
h: Formation Thickness (ft)
tLfD: Time of end of Linear or Pseudo Radial flow from Plot (dimensionless)
Dta: Adjusted Delta Time from Derivative Curve (h)

Output(s)
k: Permeability (mD)
LfPR: Length of Fracture for Pseudo Radial Flow (ft)
LfL: Length of Fracture for Linear Flow (ft)
LfMP: Length of Fracture from Match Point Analysis (ft)
s: Skin Factor (dimensionless)
DPaMP: Adjusted Pressure Difference at Match Point from Plot (psi)

Formula(s)
m
k ¼ 162:6  qg  Bg 
mh


 
pai  pahr  k
LfPR ¼ 1:151   log + 3:23
m Ø  m  ct  r2w
LfL ¼ 2  rw  2:71s
!
Bg  m 1
LfMP ¼ 4:064  qg   *c 2
mL  h  k0:5 Ø t
 m 
s ¼ 141:2  qg  Bg   h  ðpD Þ
k



1
0:0002637  k Dta 2
DPaMP ¼ *
Ø  m  ct tLfD

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins J.B., and Spivey J.P. 2003, Pressure Transient Testing, Vol. 9, SPE Textbook Series, Vol. 9,
Henry L. Doherty Memorial Fund of AIME, Richardson, Texas, SPE, Chapter: 6, Page: 121.

3.3 Analysis of a post-fracture pressure buildup test with wellbore-storage distortion

Input(s)
q g: Gas flow rate (MSCF/day)
Bg : Gas formation Volume Factor (RB/MSCF)
pD: Dimensionless Pressure (dimensionless)
Ø: Porosity (dimensionless)
ct: Compressibility (1/psi)
m: Viscosity (cP)
h: Formation Thickness (ft)
176 Formulas and calculations for petroleum engineering

t(Lf)D: Time of end of linear or pseudo radial flow from plot (dimensionless)
CrD: Dimensionless fracture conductivity (dimensionless)
CfD: Dimensionless Wellbore storage coefficient (dimensionless)
Lf: Length of fracture (ft)
k: Permeability (mD)
DtAE: Equivalent Adjusted delta time from derivative curve (h)

Output(s)
C: Well bore storage coefficient (bbl/psi)
wfkf: Min Fracture conductivity for infinite conductive fracture (mD ft)
LfMP: Length of fracture from match point analysis (ft)
(DPa)MP: Adjusted Pressure difference at match point from plot (psi)

Formula(s)
 m 
C ¼ 141:2  qg  Bg   ðpD ÞMP
kh
0 ! 112


0:0002637 k Dt
wfkf ¼ @ * AE A
Ø  m  ct t ðL Þ
f D MP
!
L2f
LfMP ¼ Ø  h  ct   CfD
0:8936

ðDPa ÞMP ¼ 3:14  k  CrD  Lf

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins J.B., and Spivey J.P. 2003, Pressure Transient Testing, Vol. 9, SPE Textbook Series, Vol. 9,
Henry L. Doherty Memorial Fund of AIME, Richardson, Texas, SPE, Chapter: 6, Page: 127.

3.4 Analysis of a well from a PI test

Input(s)
P: Average Reservoir Pressure (psi)
q: Flow Rate (STB/day)
Pwf: Well Flowing Pressure (psi)
k: Permeability (mD)
B: Volume Factor (RB/STB)
h: Thickness of Reservoir (ft)
m: Oil Viscosity (cP)
r e: Drainage Radius (ft)
r w: Wellbore Radius (ft)

Output(s)
J: Productivity index (STB/day/psi)
kj: Average Permeability (mD)
s: Skin Factor (dimensionless)
 Well test analysis formulas and calculations Chapter 3 177

Formula(s)
q
J¼
P  Pwf


r
ln e  0:75
rw
kj ¼ 141:2  J  B  m 
h
!

 
k r
s¼  1  ln e  0:75
kj rw

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 16.

3.5 Analysis of DST flow data with Ramey type curves

Input(s)
pi: Initial Pressure (psi)
pwf: Well Flowing Pressure (psi)
po: Pressure at Time T ¼ 0 (psi)
Ø: Porosity (dimensionless)
ct: Total Compressibility (1/psi)
h: Formation Thickness (ft)
C: Wellbore Storage Coefficient (bbl/psi)
rw: Radius of Wellbore (ft)
m: Viscosity (cP)
T
tc: Dimensionless Parameter from Curve Fitting as c d (dimensionless)
d
t: Time (h)
CES: Match Point for Dimensionless Well Bore Coefficient from Curve as (Cd E^(2 s))_(mp) (dimensionless)

Output(s)
pDR: Dimensionless Pressure (dimensionless)
qDR: Dimensionless Flow Rate (dimensionless)
CD: Dimensionless Well Bore Storage Coefficient (dimensionless)
k: Permeability (mD)
s: Skin Factor (dimensionless)

Formula(s)

pi  ðpwf ÞðtÞ
pDR ¼
pi  po
qDR ¼ 1  pDR
C
CD ¼ 0:8936   
Ø  h  ct  r2w


C tc 
k ¼ 3390  m  
h t


CES
s ¼ 0:5  ln
CD

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 155.
178 Formulas and calculations for petroleum engineering

3.6 Average fracture permeability (pseudo-steady state case for pressure build-up test)
Input(s)
q: Flow Rate (bbl/d)
m: Viscosity (cP)
B: Formation Volume Factor (BBL/STB)
m: Slope of Horner Plot (psi/cycles)
h: Formation Thickness (ft)

Output(s)
kf: Average Fracture Permeability (mD)

Formula(s)
m
kf ¼ 162:6  q  B 
mh

Notes: Horner Plot Analysis (Semi-Log Plot).

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 107.

3.7 Bottomhole flowing pressure during infinite-acting pseudoradial flow

Input(s)
pi: Initial Reservoir Pressure (psi)
Qo: Well Flow Rate (STB/day)
B o: Oil Formation Volume Factor (bbl/STB)
mo: Oil Viscosity (cP)
k: Permeability (mD)
h: Thickness (ft)
t: Flowing Time (h)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
ct: Total Compressibility (1/psi)
r w: Wellbore Radius (ft)
S: Skin (dimensionless)

Output(s)
Pwf: Wellbore Flowing Pressure (psi)

Formula(s)



 
162:6  Qo  mo  Bo k
Pwf ¼ pi   log ðtÞ + log 
 3:23 + 0:87 S
kh ø  mo  ct  rw2
pi  pwf ¼ Dp ¼ a + mlogðtÞ

Reference: Ahmed, T., McKinney, P.D. 2005. Advanced Reservoir Engineering, Gulf Publishing of Elsevier, Chapter: 1,
Page: 98.
 Well test analysis formulas and calculations Chapter 3 179

3.8 Calculation of pressure beyond the wellbore (line-source solution)

Input(s)
Pi: Initial Pressure (psi)
t: Time of Production (h)
k: Permeability (mD)
B: Volume Factor (RB/STB)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
ct: Compressibility (1/psi)
h: Thickness of Reservoir (ft)
m: Viscosity of Oil (cP)
r: Radius of Wellbore (ft)
q: Flow Rate (STB/day)

Output(s)
P: Pressure (psi)

Formula(s)


r2
ln 1:688  ø  m  ct 
kt
P ¼ Pi + 70:6  q  B  m 
kh

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: SPE,
Page: 11.

3.9 Conventional DST design without a water cushion (collapse pressure calculation)
Input(s)
gw: Water Gradient (psi/ft)
Wm: Mud Weight (lbm/gal)
Dc: Depth (ft)
Fd : Design Factor (dimensionless)
Ww: Water Weight (lbm/gal)

Output(s)
pcollapse: Collapse Pressure (psi)

Formula(s)

gw  Wm  Dc  Fd
pcollapse ¼
Ww

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 153.
180 Formulas and calculations for petroleum engineering

3.10 Diffusion depth in a geothermal well

Input(s)
w: Mass Flow Rate (lb/h)
c: Thermal Heat Capacity of the Fluid (BTU/lbm oF)
k: Thermal Conductivity of Earth (¼ 33.6 BTU/(ftday °F))
f(t): Dimensionless Time Function that Represents the Transient Heat Transfer to the formation (dimensionless)

Output(s)
A(t): Diffusion Depth as a Function of Time (ft)

Formula(s)

wcf ðtÞ
AðtÞ ¼
2pk

Reference: Ramey Jr, H. J. (1981). Reservoir Engineering Assessment of Geothermal Systems. Department of Petroleum
Engineering, Stanford University. Equation (6–2).

3.11 Dimensionless buildup pressure for field calculations

Input(s)
Pi: Initial Reservoir Pressure (psi)
Pws: Shut in Pressure (psi)
m: Slope of Semi-Log Graph (kg/cm2)/ Log cycle for Liquid

Output(s)
PDs: Dimensionless Pressure (dimensionless)

Formula(s)
 
P  Pws
PDs ¼ i
0:87m

Reference: Ramey Jr, H. J. (1981). Reservoir Engineering Assessment of Geothermal Systems. Department of Petroleum
Engineering, Stanford University, Page: (5.8).

3.12 Dimensionless buildup pressure for liquid flow

Input(s)
k: Effective Permeability of Flowing Phase (D)
h: Net Formation Thickness (m)
Pi: Initial Reservoir Pressure (psi)
Pws: Shut in Pressure (psi)
vsc: Specific Volume at Standard Conditions (cc/g)
q: Production Rate (tons/h (1000 kg/h))
B: Formation Volume Factor (Reservoir Volume/Standard Volume)
m: Viscosity of Flowing Fluid (cP)
 Well test analysis formulas and calculations Chapter 3 181

Output(s)
PDs: Dimensionless Pressure (dimensionless)

Formula(s)
 
kh Pi  Pws
PDs ¼
0:4568vsc qBm

Reference: Ramey Jr, H. J. (1981). Reservoir Engineering Assessment of Geothermal Systems. Department of Petroleum
Engineering, Stanford University, Page: (5.7).

3.13 Dimensionless buildup pressure for steam or gas flow

Input(s)
k: Effective Permeability of Flowing Phase (D)
h: Net Formation Thickness (m)
Pi: Initial Reservoir Pressure (psi)
Pws: Shut in Pressure (psi)
M: Molecular Weight (g/g mol)
q: Production Rate (tons/h (1000 kg/h))
Z: Real Gas Law Deviation Factor (Ratio)
m: Viscosity of Flowing Fluid (cP)
T: Absolute Formation Temperature (°K)

Output(s)
PDs: Dimensionless Pressure (dimensionless)

Formula(s)
 
Mkh Pi 2  Pws 2
PDs ¼
0:01291qmZT

Reference: Ramey Jr, H. J. (1981). Reservoir Engineering Assessment of Geothermal Systems. Department of Petroleum
Engineering, Stanford University, Page: (5.7).

3.14 Dimensionless buildup time

Input(s)
k: Effective Permeability of Flowing Phase (D)
t: Time (h)
∅: Porosity (Per cent)
m: Viscosity of Flowing Fluid (cP)
ct: Total System Effective Isothermal Compressibility (kg/cm2)1
rw: Well Radius (m)

Output(s)
tD: Dimensionless time (dimensionless)
182 Formulas and calculations for petroleum engineering

Formula(s)

0:3604 kt
tD ¼
∅mct rw2

Reference: Ramey Jr, H. J. (1981). Reservoir Engineering Assessment of Geothermal Systems. Department of Petroleum
Engineering, Stanford University, Page: (5.7).

3.15 Dimensionless cumulative production (radial flow constant-pressure production)

Input(s)
pi: Initial Reservoir Pressure (psi)
Qp: Flow Rate of Production (STB/day)
B: Volume Factor (RB/STB)
m: Oil Viscosity (cP)
k: Permeability (mD)
r w: Radius of Wellbore (ft)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
ct: Total Compressibility (1/psi)
h: Thickness of Reservoir (ft)
pwf: Well Flowing Pressure (psi)

Output(s)
Qpd: Dimensionless Cumulative Production (dimensionless)

Formula(s)

B
Qpd ¼    Qp
1:119  ø  ct  h  rw2  pi  pwf

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 9.

3.16 Dimensionless drawdown correlating parameter by Carter

Input(s)
mgi: Initial Gas Viscosity (cP)
mgavg: Average Gas of Viscosity (cP)
cgi: Initial Gas Compressibility (1/psi)
cgavg: Average Gas Compressibility (1/psi)

Output(s)
l: Dimensionless Drawdown Correlating Parameter (dimensionless).
 Well test analysis formulas and calculations Chapter 3 183

Formula(s)

mgi  cgi
l¼
mgavg  cgavg

Reference: Ahmed, T., McKinney, P.D. 2005. Advanced Reservoir Engineering, Gulf Publishing of Elsevier, Chapter: 3,
Page: 256.

3.17 Dimensionless length (linear flow constant rate production/hydraulically

fractured wells)
Input(s)
x: Length of Flow (ft)
Lf: Half Length of Fracture (ft)

Output(s)
LD: Dimensionless Length (dimensionless)

Formula(s)
x
LD ¼
Lf

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 10.

3.18 Dimensionless length (linear flow/constant-rate production/general case)

Input(s)
x: Fracture Length (ft)
A: Cross Sectional Area (ft)

Output(s)
xD: Dimensionless Length (dimensionless)

Formula(s)
x
xD ¼
A0:5

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 9.

3.19 Dimensionless pressure (linear flow/constant rate production/general case)

Input(s)
pi: Initial Reservoir Pressure (psi)
184 Formulas and calculations for petroleum engineering

B: Volume Factor (RB/STB)

m: Oil Viscosity (cP)
k: Permeability (mD)
A: Cross Section Area (ft)
q: Flow Rate (STB/day)
p: Pressure (psi)

Output(s)
pD : Dimensionless Pressure (dimensionless)

Formula(s)

k  A0:5
pD ¼  ð pi  p Þ
141:2  q  B  m

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 9.

3.20 Dimensionless pressure (linear flow/constant rate production/hydraulically-

fractured wells)
Input(s)
pi: Initial Reservoir Pressure (psi)
B: Formation Volume Factor (RB/STB)
m: Oil Viscosity (cP)
k: Permeability (mD)
h: Reservoir Thickness (ft)
q: Flow Rate (STB/day)
p: Pressure (psi)

Output(s)
p d: Dimensionless Pressure (dimensionless)

Formula(s)

kh
pd ¼  ðpi  pÞ
141:2  q  B  m

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 10.

3.21 Dimensionless pressure (radial-flow/constant pressure production)

Input(s)
Pi: Initial Reservoir Pressure (psi)
P: Final Reservoir Pressure (psi)
Pwf: Well Flowing Pressure (psi)
 Well test analysis formulas and calculations Chapter 3 185

Output(s)
Pd: Dimensionless Pressure (dimensionless)

Formula(s)

Pi  P
Pd ¼
Pi  Pwf

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 9.

3.22 Dimensionless pressure (radial-flow/constant rate production)

Input(s)
pi: Initial Reservoir Pressure (psi)
p: Reservoir Thickness (psi)
k: Permeability (mD)
h: Reservoir Thickness (ft)
q: Formation Volume Factor (STB/day)
B: Volume Factor (RB/STB)
m: Oil Viscosity (cP)

Output(s)
Pd: Dimensionless Pressure (dimensionless)

Formula(s)

kh
Pd ¼  ð p i  pÞ
141:2  q  B  m

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 8.

3.23 Dimensionless pressure drop across a skin at the well face

Input(s)
k: Effective Permeability of Flowing Phase (D)
h: Net Formation Thickness (m)
Pi: Initial Reservoir Pressure (psi)
P1hr: Pressure at 1 hour on semi-log straight line or its extension (psi)
Pws: Shut in Pressure (psi)
Pwf: Bottomhole Pressure at a flowing well (psi)
vsc: Specific Volume at Standard Conditions (cc/g)
q: Production Rate (m3/h)
B: Formation Volume Factor (Reservoir Volume/Standard Volume)
m: Viscosity of Flowing Fluid (cP)
ct: Total System Effective Isothermal Compressibility (kg/cm2)1
rw: Well Radius (m)
m: Slope of Semi-Log Graph (kg/cm2)/ Log cycle for Liquid
∅: Porosity (Per cent)
186 Formulas and calculations for petroleum engineering

Output(s)
PDw: Dimensionless Pressure at the well face (dimensionless)
s: Skin Effect (dimensionless)

Formula(s)
 
kh Pi  Pws
PDw + s ¼
0:4568vsc qBm
2  3
P1hr 2  Pwf 2 k
s ¼ 1:1514  log 10 + 0:09195
m ∅mct rw2

Reference: Ramey Jr, H. J. (1981). Reservoir Engineering Assessment of Geothermal Systems. Department of Petroleum
Engineering, Stanford University, Page: (5.13).

3.24 Dimensionless pressure drop during pseudo-steady state flow for a fractured
vertical well in a square drainage area
Input(s)
tDA: Dimensionless Time (dimensionless)
Cf: Shape Factor for a Fractured Vertical Well (dimensionless)
x e: Half the Side of Square Drainage Area (ft)
xf: Fracture Half Length (ft)

Output(s)
PD : Wellbore Dimensionless Pressure Drop (dimensionless)

Formula(s)
!2 !
x 2:2458
PD ¼ 2  p  tDA + 0:5  ln e + 0:5  ln + 0:5  2:77
xf Cf

Reference: Joshi, S. D. 1991, Horizontal Well Technology. Tulsa, Oklahoma: PennWell Publishing Company. Chapter: 7,
Page: 211.

3.25 Dimensionless pressure drop during pseudo-steady state flow for a horizontal
well in a bounded reservoir
Input(s)
tDA: Dimensionless Time (dimensionless)
CAh: Shape Factors for Horizontal Wells (dimensionless)
L: Length of Horizontal Well (ft)
A: Drainage Area (ft)

Output(s)
PD: Wellbore Dimensionless Pressure Drop (dimensionless)
 Well test analysis formulas and calculations Chapter 3 187

Formula(s)
0 1
B C

B A C 2:2458
PD ¼ 2  p  tDA + 0:5  ln B
B !

2 CC + 0:5  ln + 0:5  2:77
@ L A CAh
4
2

Reference: Joshi, S. D. 1991, Horizontal Well Technology. Tulsa, Oklahoma: PennWell Publishing Company. Chapter: 7,
Page: 216.

3.26 Dimensionless production time

Input(s)
tD: Dimensionless time (dimensionless)
A: Drainage Area (m2)
rw: Well Radius (m)

Output(s)
tDA: Dimensionless Production time (dimensionless)

Formula(s)

rw2
tDA ¼ tD
A

Reference: Ramey Jr., H. J. (1981). Reservoir Engineering Assessment of Geothermal Systems. Department of Petroleum
Engineering, Stanford University, Page: (5.7).

3.27 Dimensionless rate (radial flow/constant pressure production)

Input(s)
pi: Initial Reservoir Pressure (psi)
q: Flow Rate (STB/day)
B: Formation Volume Factor (RB/STB)
m: Oil Viscosity (cP)
k: Permeability (mD)
h: Reservoir Thickness (ft)
pwf: Well Flowing Pressure (psi)

Output(s)
q d: Dimensionless Rate (dimensionless)

Formula(s)

qBm
qd ¼  
0:00708  k  h  pi  pwf

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 9.
188 Formulas and calculations for petroleum engineering

3.28 Dimensionless shut-in time for MDH method

Input(s)
k: Permeability (mD)
Dt: Total Shut-in Time (day)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
m: Viscosity (cP)
ct: Total Compressibility (1/psi)
A: Drainage Area (ft2)

Output(s)
DtDA: Dimensionless Shut-in Time (dimensionless)

Formula(s)

0:0002637  k  Dt
DtDA ¼
ø  m  ct  A

Reference: Ahmed, T., McKinney, P.D. 2005. Advanced Reservoir Engineering, Gulf Publishing of Elsevier, Chapter: 1,
Page: 59.

3.29 Dimensionless storage constant for gases

Input(s)
0
C: Wellbore Storage (tons/(kg/cm2)2)
Z: Real Gas Law Deviation Factor (ratio)
T: Absolute Formation Temperature (°K)
M: Molecular Weight (g/g mol)
∅: Porosity (Per cent)
h: Net Formation Thickness (m)
ct: Total System Effective Isothermal Compressibility (kg/cm2)1
r w: Well Radius (m)

Output(s)
CD: Dimensionless Storage Constant for Gases (dimensionless)

Formula(s)

27 C0 Z T
CD ¼
M∅hct rw2

Reference: Ramey Jr., H. J. (1981). Reservoir Engineering Assessment of Geothermal Systems. Department of Petroleum
Engineering, Stanford University, Page: (5.18).

3.30 Dimensionless storage constant for liquids

Input(s)
C: Storage
B: Formation Volume Factor (Reservoir Volume/Standard Volume)
 Well test analysis formulas and calculations Chapter 3 189

Vsc: Specific Volume at Standard Conditions (cc/g)

∅: Porosity (fraction)
h: Net Formation Thickness (m)
ct: Total System Effective Isothermal Compressibility (kg/cm2)1
rw: Well Radius (m)

Output(s)
CD: Dimensionless Storage Constant for Liquids (dimensionless)

Formula(s)

C B Vsc
CD ¼
2p∅hct rw2

Reference: Ramey Jr., H. J. (1981). Reservoir Engineering Assessment of Geothermal Systems. Department of Petroleum
Engineering, Stanford University, Page: (5.18).

3.31 Dimensionless time (linear flow/constant rate production/general case)

Input(s)
t: Production Time (h)
k: Permeability (mD)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
ct: Total Compressibility (1/psi)
m: Oil Viscosity (cP)
A: Cross Sectional Area (ft)

Output(s)
tAD: Dimensionless Time (dimensionless)

Formula(s)

0:0002637  k  t
tAD ¼
ø  m  ct  A

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 9.

3.32 Dimensionless time (linear flow/constant rate production/hydraulically

fractured wells)
Input(s)
t: Production Time (h)
k: Permeability (mD)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
ct: Total Compressibility (1/psi)
m: Oil Viscosity (cP)
Lf: Half Length of Fracture (ft)
190 Formulas and calculations for petroleum engineering

Output(s)
tLfD: Dimensionless Time (dimensionless)

Formula(s)

0:0002637  k  t
tLfD ¼
ø  m  ct  L2f

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 10./

3.33 Dimensionless time (radial flow/constant rate production)

Input(s)
t: Production Time (h)
k: Permeability (mD)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
ct: Total Compressibility (1/psi)
m: Oil Viscosity (cP)
r w: Wellbore Radius (ft)

Output(s)
td: Dimensionless Time (dimensionless)

Formula(s)

0:0002637  k  t
td ¼
ø  m  ct  rw2

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 8.

3.34 Dimensionless time function (transient heat transfer to the formation)

Input(s)
a: Thermal Diffusivity of the Formation (ft2/day)
r: Diffusion Depth (ft)
t: Production Time (day)

Output(s)
f(t): Dimensionless Time Function that Represents the Transient Heat Transfer to the formation (dimensionless)

Formula(s)
r
f ðtÞ ¼  ln pffiffiffiffi  0:290
2 at

Reference: Ramey Jr, H. J. (1981). Reservoir Engineering Assessment of Geothermal Systems. Department of Petroleum
Engineering, Stanford University, Equation no (6.3).
 Well test analysis formulas and calculations Chapter 3 191

3.35 Dimensionless wellbore storage coefficient (compressible fluids for pressure

build-up test)
Input(s)
C: Well Bore Storage Coefficient (bbl/psi)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
cf: Formation Compressibility (1/psi)
h: Pay zone Thickness (ft)
rw: Well Bore Radius (ft)

Output(s)
Cd: Dimensionless Wellbore Storage Coefficient (dimensionless)

Formula(s)

0:8936  C
Cd ¼
ø  cf  h  rw2

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 105.

3.36 Flow period duration (hydraulically fractured wells)

Input(s)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
ct: Total Compressibility (1/psi)
m: Viscosity (cP)
Lf: Fracture Length (ft)
tLfD: Time of End of Linear or Start Pseudo Radial Flow from Plot (dimensionless)
k: Permeability (mD)

Output(s)
t: Duration of Flow Periods (h)

Formula(s)
 
ø  m  ct  L2f  tLfD
t¼
0:0002637  k

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 115.

3.37 Fracture conductivity (bilinear-flow regime in gas wells)

Input(s)
q: Flow Rate (bbl/d)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
m: Viscosity (cP)
B: Formation Volume Factor (BBL/STB)
192 Formulas and calculations for petroleum engineering

mb: Slope of Pressure vs Fourth Root of Time (Bi-linear Flow Analysis) (psi/h0.25)
ct: Total Compressibility (1/psi)
k: Permeability (mD)
h: Reservoir Thickness (ft)

Output(s)
wf. kf: Fracture Conductivity (ft mD)

Formula(s)


0:5
44:1  q  m  B 2 1
wf :kf ¼ 
h  mb ø  m  ct  k

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 117.

3.38 Fracture conductivity during bilinear flow

Input(s)
Q: Flow Rate (STB/day)
B: Formation Volume Factor (bbl/STB)
m: Viscosity (cP)
mbf: Slope of Bilinear Flow during Build-up Test (psi/cycle)
h: Thickness (ft)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
ct: Total Compressibility (1/psi)
k: Permeability (mD)

Output(s)
FC : Fracture Conductivity (mD ft)

Formula(s)
!2
44:1  Q  m  B
FC ¼
mbf  h  ðø  m  ct  kÞ0:25

Reference: Ahmed, T., McKinney, P.D. 2005. Advanced Reservoir Engineering, Gulf Publishing of Elsevier, Chapter: 1,
Page: 95.

3.39 Inflow performance relationship (IPR) for horizontal wells in solution gas-drive
reservoirs (Fetkovich)
Input(s)
qomax: Maximum Flow Rate for Maximum Drawdown (STB/day)
Pwf: Flowing Bottomhole Pressure (psi)
P: Shut in Pressure or Average Reservoir Pressure (psi)
n: Exponent (dimensionless)
 Well test analysis formulas and calculations Chapter 3 193

Output(s)
q o: Oil Flow Rate (STB/day)

Formula(s)

2 !n
Pwf
qo ¼ qomax  1 
P

Reference: Joshi, S. D. 1991, Horizontal Well Technology. Tulsa, Oklahoma: PennWell Publishing Company. Chapter: 7,
Page: 240.

3.40 Inflow performance relationship (IPR) for horizontal wells in solution gas-drive
reservoirs (Vogel)
Input(s)
qomax: Maximum Flow Rate for 100% Drawdown (STB/day)
Pwf: Flowing Bottomhole Pressure (psi)
P: Shut in Pressure or Average Reservoir Pressure (psi)

Output(s)
q o: Oil Flow Rate (STB/day)

Formula(s)


2 !
Pwf Pwf
qo ¼ qomax  1  0:2   0:8 
P P

Reference: Joshi, S. D. 1991, Horizontal Well Technology. Tulsa, Oklahoma: PennWell Publishing Company. Chapter: 7,
Page: 240.

3.41 Interporosity flow coefficient in pressure build-up test

Input(s)
o: Storativity of the Fractures (dimensionless)
øm: Matrix Porosity (fraction)
hm: Matrix Thickness (ft)
cm: Matrix Compressibility (1/psi)
m: Viscosity (cP)
rw: Wellbore Radius (ft)
kf: Fracture Permeability (mD)
tp: Production Time (day)
Dt: Shut-in Time (h)

Output(s)
l: Interporosity Flow Coefficient (dimensionless)
194 Formulas and calculations for petroleum engineering

Formula(s)

!

 w  øm  hm  cm  m  rw2 tp + Dt
l¼  
1o 1:781  kf  tp Dt 1

or

!

1 øm  hm  cm  m  rw2 tp + Dt
l¼  
1o 1:781  kf  tp Dt 2

Reference: Ahmed, T., McKinney, P.D. 2005. Advanced Reservoir Engineering, Gulf Publishing of Elsevier, Chapter: 1,
Page: 84.

3.42 Minimum shut-in time to reach pseudo-steady state for tight gas
reservoirs being hydraulically fractured
Input(s)
mg: Gas Viscosity (cP)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
ct: Total Compressibility (1/psi)
xf: Fracture Half Length (ft)
k: Permeability (mD)

Output(s)
tpss: Time (h)

Formula(s)
 
474  ø  mg  ct  x2f
tpss ¼
k

Reference: Ahmed, T., McKinney, P.D. 2005. Advanced Reservoir Engineering, Gulf Publishing of Elsevier, Chapter: 3,
Page: 23.

3.43 Permeability and reservoir pressure from buildup tests

Input(s)
tp: Time till which drawdown was done (h)
dta: Time of shut in 1 from given values or trendline (h)
dtb: Time of shut in 2 from given values or trendline (h)
pwsa: Well flowing Pressure at shut in point 2 from given values or trendline (psi)
pwsb: Well flowing Pressure at shut in point 1 from given values or trendline (psi)
h: Thickness of Reservoir (ft)
m: Viscosity of Oil (cP)
phr: Pressure at t ¼ 1 h (psi)
pwf: Pressure flowing well (psi)
Ø: Porosity (fraction)
 Well test analysis formulas and calculations Chapter 3 195

ct: Compressibility (1/psi)

rw: Wellbore Radius (ft)

Output(s)
s: Skin Factor (dimensionless)

Formula(s)
0 0 pwsa  pwsb 1 1



B B log tp + dtb  log tp + dta C C
B B C C
B B dt dt C C
B
s ¼ 1:151  Bðphr  pwf Þ  log B b a
C + 3:23C
B   
Ø m ct r w 2 C C
B @ A C
@ A

Reference: Pressure Buildup and Flow Tests in Wells, Matthews & Russell, Page: 21.

3.44 Permeability and skin factor from a constant-rate flow test

Input(s)
ta: Time at Pwf1 from given values or trendline (h)
tb: Time at Pwf2 from given values or trendline (h)
pw : Well flowing Pressure at point 2 from given values or trend line (psi)
pwf: Well flowing Pressure at point 1 from given values or trendline (psi)
pi: Initial Pressure (psi)
phr: Pressure Value at t ¼ 1 h (psi)
q: Flow Rate (STB/day)
B: Volume factor (RB/STB)
h: Thickness of reservoir (ft)
m: Viscosity of Oil (cP)
Ø: Porosity (fraction)
ct: Compressibility (1/psi)
rw: Wellbore Radius (ft)

Output(s)
s: Skin Factor (dimensionless)

Formula(s)
0 0 m 1 1
162:6  q  B 

B B pwf  pw C
B B  hC
C C
B p  phr B log ðtb Þ  log ðta Þ C C
s ¼ 1:151  B
B
i
pwf  pw  log B C + 3:23C
C
B B Ø  m  ct  rw2 C C
@ log ðt Þ  log ðt Þ @ A A
b a

Reference: Pressure Buildup and Flow Tests in Wells, Matthews & Russell, Page: 57.
196 Formulas and calculations for petroleum engineering

3.45 Pressure buildup equation (Horner equation)

Input(s)
Pi: Initial Reservoir Pressure (psi)
Qo: Stabilized Well Flow Rate before Shut-in (bbl/d)
mo : Oil Viscosity (cP)
B o: Oil Formation Volume Factor (rb/stb)
k: Permeability (mD)
h: Height (ft)
tp: Flowing Time before Shut-in (day)
Dt: Shut-in Time (day)

Output(s)
Pws: Pressure (psi)

Formula(s)



162:6  Qo  Bo  mo tp + Dt
Pws ¼ Pi   log
kh Dt

Reference: Ahmed, T., McKinney, P.D. 2005. Advanced Reservoir Engineering, Gulf Publishing of Elsevier, Chapter: 1,
Page: 54.

3.46 Radius of investigation

Input(s)
k: Permeability (mD)
t: Time (h)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
m: Viscosity (cP)
ct: Total Compressibility (1/psi)

Output(s)
ri: Radius of Investigation at the end of Injection Time (ft)

Formula(s)

0:5 !
kt
ri ¼ 0:0359 
ø  m  ct

Reference: Ahmed, T., McKinney, P.D. 2005. Advanced Reservoir Engineering, Gulf Publishing of Elsevier, Chapter: 1,
Page: 134.

3.47 Radius of investigation (flow time)

Input(s)
t: Flow time (h)
k: Permeability (mD)
 Well test analysis formulas and calculations Chapter 3 197

m: Viscosity of Oil (cP)

Ø: Porosity (fraction)
ct: Compressibility (1/psi)

Output(s)
ri: Radius of investigation (ft)

Formula(s)

0:5
t
ri ¼ k*
948  Ø  m  ct

Reference: Pressure Buildup and Flow Tests in Wells, Matthews & Russell, Page: 116.

3.48 Radius of investigation (shut-in time)

Input(s)
dt: Time of shut in (h)
k: Permeability (mD)
m: Viscosity of Oil (cP)
Ø: Porosity (fraction)
ct: Compressibility (1/psi)

Output(s)
ri: Radius of investigation (ft)

Formula(s)

0:5
dt
ri ¼ k*
948  Ø  m  ct

Reference: Pressure Buildup and Flow Tests in Wells, Matthews & Russell, Page: 117.

3.49 Raymer hunt transform (porosity/transit time relationship)

Input(s)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
Dtma: Travel Time in Matrix (ms/ft)
Dtf: Travel Time in Liquid/fluid (ms/ft)

Output(s)
Dt: Total Travel Time (ms/ft)
198 Formulas and calculations for petroleum engineering

Formula(s)
!!1
ð1  øÞ2 ø
Dt ¼ +
Dtma Dtf

Reference: Bassiouni, Z., 1994, Theory, Measurement, and Interpretation of Well Logs. SPE Textbook Series Vol. 4.
Chapter 3, Page: 56.

3.50 Reservoir permeability

Input(s)
q o: Oil Flow Rate (bbl/d)
Bo : Oil Formation Volume Factor (bbl/STB)
mo: Oil Viscosity (cP)
m: Slope of Horner Plot (psi/cycle)
h: Pay zone of Thickness (ft)

Output(s)
k o: Reservoir Permeability (mD)

Formula(s)
mo
ko ¼ 162:6  ðqo Þ  ðBo Þ 
mh

Notes: Permeability Evaluated from Horner Plot (Semi-Log Plot).

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 104.

3.51 Shut-in time for pressure build-up test (Dietz method)

Input(s)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
A: Drainage Area (ft2)
CA: Shape Factor (dimensionless)
m: Viscosity (cP)
ct: Total Compressibility (1/psi)
k: Permeability (mD)

Output(s)
ts: Shut-in Time (h)

Formula(s)

ø  m  ct  A
ts ¼
0:0002637  CA  k

Reference: Ahmed, T., McKinney, P.D. 2005. Advanced Reservoir Engineering, Gulf Publishing of Elsevier, Chapter: 1,
Page: 63.
 Well test analysis formulas and calculations Chapter 3 199

3.52 Skin during infinite-acting pseudoradial flow for vertical wells

Input(s)
pi: Initial Pressure (psi)
p1hr: Pressure After 1 Hour (psi)
m: Slope (psi/h)
k: Permeability (mD)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
mTotal: Viscosity (cP)
ct: Total Compressibility (1/psi)
rw: Wellbore Radius (ft)

Output(s)
S: Skin (dimensionless)

Formula(s)


 
pi  p1hr  k
S ¼ 1:151   log + 3:23
m ø  mTotal  ct  rw2

Reference: Ahmed, T., McKinney, P.D. 2005. Advanced Reservoir Engineering, Gulf Publishing of Elsevier, Chapter: 1,
Page: 99.

3.53 Skin estimation type-1 (pressure buildup test)

Input(s)
Phr: Pressure After One Hour of Well Shut-in (psi)
Pwf: Well Flowing Pressure (psi)
m: Slope of Horner Plot (psi/cycle)
k: Permeability (mD)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
ct: Total Compressibility (1/psi)
rw: Wellbore Radius (ft)
mo: Oil Viscosity (cP)

Output(s)
s: Skin Factor (dimensionless)

Formula(s)



 
ðPhr Þ  Pwf k
s ¼ 1:151   log + 3:23
m ø  mo  ct  rw2

Notes: Skin Estimation from Horner Plot (Semi Log Plot).

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 104.
200 Formulas and calculations for petroleum engineering

3.54 Slope of Horner plot in pressure buildup test

Input(s)
Qo: Stabilized Well Flow Rate before Shut-in (STB/day)
mo : Oil Viscosity (cP)
B o: Oil Formation Volume Factor (bbl/STB)
k: Permeability (mD)
h: Thickness (ft)

Output(s)
m: Slope (psi/cycle)

Formula(s)

162:6  Qo  mo  Bo
m¼
kh

Reference: Ahmed, T., McKinney, P.D. 2005. Advanced Reservoir Engineering, Gulf Publishing of Elsevier, Chapter: 1,
Page: 54.

3.55 Slope of pseudo-steady state flow in pressure buildup test

Input(s)
Q: Flow Rate (STB/day)
B: Formation Volume Factor (bbl/STB)
ct: Total Compressibility (1/psi)
A: Drainage Area (ft2)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
h: Thickness (ft)

Output(s)
mpss: Slope (psi/h)

Formula(s)

0:23396  Q  B
mpss ¼
ct  A  h  ø

Reference: Ahmed, T., McKinney, P.D. 2005. Advanced Reservoir Engineering, Gulf Publishing of Elsevier, Chapter: 1,
Page: 33.

3.56 Time to pseudo-steady state (single well-circular reservoir)

Input(s)
Ø: Porosity (fraction)
m: Viscosity (cP)
ct: Compressibility (/psi)
r e: Radius of reservoir (ft)
k: Permeability (mD)
 Well test analysis formulas and calculations Chapter 3 201

Output(s)
tpss: Pseudo steady state (h)

Formula(s)

re2
tpss ¼ 1200  Ø  m  ct 
k

Reference: Pressure Buildup and Flow Tests in Wells, Matthews & Russell, Page: 13.

3.57 Time to reach the semi-steady state for a gas well in a circular or square
drainage area
Input(s)
mgi: Initial Gas Viscosity (cP)
ø: Porosity (fraction)
A: Drainage Area (ft2)
k: Effective Gas Permeability (mD)
cti: Initial Total Compressibility (1/psi)

Output(s)
tpss: Time (h)

Formula(s)

15:8ø  mgi  cti  A

tpss ¼
k

Reference: Ahmed, T., McKinney, P.D. 2005. Advanced Reservoir Engineering, Gulf Publishing of Elsevier, Chapter: 3,
Page: 194.

3.58 True wellbore storage coefficient (pressure build-up test)

Input(s)
Awb: Cross Sectional Area of Well Bore (ft2)
rwb: Density of Fluid in Well Bore (lbm/ft3)

Output(s)
C: Wellbore Storage Coefficient (BBL/PSI)

Formula(s)

Awb
C ¼ 25:65 
rwb

Reference: Lee, J., Rollins, J. B., & Spivey, J. P. (2003). Pressure Transient Testing (Vol. 9). Richardson, Texas: Society of
Petroleum Engineers, Page: 105.
202 Formulas and calculations for petroleum engineering

3.59 Well flow efficiency (geothermal well)

Input(s)
p*: Horner’s False Pressure at (t + Dt ¼1) (psi)
Pwf: Bottomhole Pressure at a flowing well (psi)
D pskin: Pressure Drop caused by the Skin Effect (psi)

Output(s)
FE: Flow Efficiency (per cent)

Formula(s)

p  pwf  Dpskin
FE ¼
p  pwf

Reference: Ramey Jr, H. J. (1981). Reservoir Engineering Assessment of Geothermal Systems. Department of Petroleum
Engineering, Stanford University, Page: (5.14).

3.60 Well shut-in pressure during buildup (Horner plot)

Input(s)
pi: Initial False Pressure (psi)
Qo: Stabilized Well Flow Rate before Shut-in (STB/day)
B o: Oil Formation Volume Factor (bbl/STB)
k: Permeability (mD)
mo: Oil Viscosity (cP)
tp: Flowing Time before Shut-in (h)
Dt: Shut-in Time (h)
h: Thickness (ft)

Output(s)
pws: Shut-in Pressure (psi)

Formula(s)



162:6  Qo  mo  Bo tp + Dt
pws ¼ pi   log
kh Dt

Reference: Ahmed, T., McKinney, P.D. 2005. Advanced Reservoir Engineering, Gulf Publishing of Elsevier, Chapter: 1,
Page: 56.